Neopronouns - meaning and definition
Alsoneo-pronounsxe/xemze/zirze/hirxenopronounsnounself pronouns
Definition
Newer pronouns created as alternatives to she, he and they, such as xe/xem or ze/zir.
At a glance
- Neopronouns are newer pronouns such as xe/xem or ze/zir.
- They are mostly used by some non-binary and gender-diverse people.
- Attempts to create a gender-neutral English pronoun go back to at least the nineteenth century.
- They are used in place of a name, like any pronoun.
- If unsure how to use them, it is fine to ask or use the person's name.
In detail
Neopronouns are mostly used by some non-binary and gender-diverse people who feel that existing pronouns do not fit them. Attempts to create a gender-neutral English pronoun go back to at least the nineteenth century.
Like any pronouns, neopronouns are used in place of a name, for example: xe is running late, so save xem a seat. If unsure how to use them, it is fine to ask the person politely or to use their name.
In a sentence
- My pronouns are xe/xem, so you could say xe's coming later.
- Ze asked us to practise zir pronouns before the meeting.
Where the word comes from
Neo comes from Greek and means new. Proposals for gender-neutral English pronouns, such as thon, date back to the nineteenth century, and many current forms spread online in the 2000s and 2010s.
Common questions
How do you use neopronouns?
Use them where you would use she or he. For xe/xem/xyr, you might say: xe is here, I saw xem, that is xyr bag. If you are unsure of the forms, ask the person politely or use their name.
Are neopronouns grammatically correct?
Languages regularly gain new words, and pronouns have changed in English before. Neopronouns follow the same grammar as existing pronouns. Whether a dictionary lists them, using someone's pronouns is a matter of respect.